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An Apology

After my Nudges the last two weeks, I could do only one thing this week…write this letter.

Dear Year 10 Students,

I owe you an apology, a very big and heartfelt apology!

See, for the last couple weeks I’ve written to your teachers and expressed my worries and concerns. Fears really, that you’d lost motivation, that your hopes and dreams were being set aside, or even abandoned, as you squared your focus solely on grades/marks. I worried that you had lost the wide-eyed curiosity and passion that has driven (and will drive) so many of the most successful people in this world. I was wrong. I couldn’t have been more wrong and you showed me that without even realizing it.

On Wednesday I had the privilege to stand in front of you at the opening of your MYP Personal Project Exhibition and celebrate your time, effort, and dedication over your years in the MYP. As Ms. Desita said to me just before we walked upstairs, “this is an expression of all they have learned in the MYP.” It was a beautiful sentiment that so perfectly wrapped up your time in the MYP. This conversation and the words I shared with you happened before I had seen any of your final Projects. Once the exhibition officially opened and I got to see the results of all your hard work…wow!

To be honest, I don’t know what I was expecting but I certainly hadn’t planned for all of the awesomeness I saw at each of your booths. Recently I’ve been worried that as you’d grown and matured, that you had lost the passion and curiosity I’ve seen shine so bright in our younger students’ eyes. However, after last Wednesday, I’ve realized that even though I couldn’t see it radiating off of you; passion and the drive to learn new and exciting things still flows in deep your veins.

It would be unfair of me to single out any of the amazing projects that were on display but, suffice it to say, there were a lot of projects that absolutely blew my mind. I saw things out there that I’ve been dreaming about attempting myself. Even, projects that I’ve contemplated working on but have been afraid to try. Your work on your MYP Personal Projects has inspired me, truly and honestly.

Once again, I apologize. I underestimated you. I am, today, ten times more confident than I was ever worried about you. Your passion, curiosity, perseverance, and sheer determination have been proven many times over throughout this experience.

I look forward to seeing all of these skills and more on display as you continue to your chosen Pathway next school year. You’re amazing young adults and I, personally, want to thank you for providing this community with such an inspirational show of your passions and abilities!